Forget Economic Stimulus, Fix the U.S. Tax Code

The President, and Congress have presented an emergency economic stimulus package consisting of temporary tax cuts. Will it be helpful? Will I be greatful for an extra $2000? Yes, but at what cost?
I was interested to find out what the authorities had to say (authorities as in American Enterprise Institute - the governments own thinktank.) about the proposed stimulus package in congress. We all know it is going to pass. Ken said, "this is an election year, of course it will pass!" So I looked at AEI, a very reliable information source - unlike the news. I read an artical by Kevin Hassett (Kevin A. Hassett is a senior fellow and director of economic policy studies at AEI). According to Hassett, "The end result (of the stimulus package) will be that we have a slightly smaller chance of having a recession."
He basically says that, if the goal is to avert a recession, this package may help a little, if the goal is to increase spending, it will, to a point.
Wealthy people will spend on average an extra 5 percent.
Poor people will spend 100 percent.
Businesses will spend an extra 5 percent as well.
Those numbers do not sound that great. Well, except for the lower class spending. If what you are looking for is spending, that is. Where does wisdom enter in?
I was pleased to see that Congress is looking into an education program to teach people about finances. Too bad government can't really teach.

Hassett said, "A broken tax code is an asset in bad times, because there are so many things to fix. Any number of reforms could help turn the economy around. By focusing only on temporary measures, the administration and Congress are overlooking our greatest asset, our lousy tax code.

So, I guess I wish congress would listen and focus on changing the tax code, because that would be a much longer term fix, according to Hassett. And I am a long term, big picture, person right?! Right.
I hope you find the article as educational as I did.
Tax cuts, hurrah!

Snow ball man

Grace thinks the snowball man is pretty amazing!

Who wants to go out and get wet to make a snow man? Everyone? Well, today I just brought the snow inside to make one!

This is a short, but cute video showing all the snow at our house. We have even more today.

Better gas mileage in your current car is possible!

How to get good gas mileage in your car: From Consumer Reports
and another from off the net: Hypermilers. I was looking for information on all wheel drive. I was wondering if I would get better gas mileage if I turn mine of. Does anyone know?

Dance lessons

Chris is living in our basement along with his friend Chance. Chris was teaching Eliza a few baisic swing dance steps. How fun is that!

Cute Christmas day photos

Eliza is dancing here. Swirling in circles to some ballet music

An influential article (at least for me).

The End of Dollar Hegemony

I read this article a few years ago, and it has influenced my thinking about the dollar ever since. I wanted to share it with any who might read on my blog.
Anji

global non-warming

I haven't taken much interest in global warming. I don't have strong political or emotional responses to it either way. That may be very surprising considering my "green" leanings.

I am, however, strongly concerned about taking care of our planet because that is our responsibility, not because I am afraid of global warming. This is our home!! Who, in their right mind, would trash their home? I believe in acting responsibly, which means trying my hardest to take care of my own house, my neighborhood, and on and on, to my world.
That said, here is an article regarding the subject from the Cato Institute.
Have a jolly read!

A fun day of sledding

Isn't she darling?!

I was surprised to read an interesting article about Geothermal energy from the American Enterprise Institute. It is very informative. I hadn't even thought of geothermal before. I was glad to read it, I hope you enjoy it too!Fascinating article on geothermal energy.